The ascent along the road leading to Monte da Penha reveals an endless emerald green. At every curve, the landscape captivates and confuses, giving the sensation that nothing could be more beautiful.
Yet, just before the bend near Senhora da Penha, something appears on the left that takes our breath away: stone walls marked by the patience of time, iron gates guarding secrets, hydrangeas swaying gently in the breeze, and at the heart of it all, the main house — a magnificent centennial chalet that seems to have stepped straight out of a period film or a documentary on dream historic residences.
The moment we pass through the gate, an immediate and profound emotion arises; from the front, the house appears even more imposing, mysterious, almost demanding that we hurry to explore every detail and uncover the secrets hidden behind its ancient walls and windows.
As we push open the brown door, we are immediately enveloped by a quiet anticipation: the corridors offer the first glimpse that something truly extraordinary awaits.
The ancient wooden floors creak softly beneath our steps, and the various rooms tell the story of time that has passed within them — lives once lived, moments that linger. Each space retains its original charm, a timeless enchantment only generations can leave behind, with carefully preserved furniture and family heirlooms whispering stories of the past.
And then the staircase appears before us, a climb that feels more like a path to the heavens, promising views and experiences so beautiful that we are filled with an irresistible desire to explore everything that awaits on the upper floor.
On the upper floor, the light enters with an almost unreal softness, filtered through the old windows that frame the deep green of the gardens. The bedrooms reveal themselves as sanctuaries of serenity, where time seems to slow and every moment becomes more contemplative.
The walls hold silence — a silence filled with stories — while the fabrics, the woods, and the small decorative details reveal the care of generations who lived in this house with elegance and quiet grace.
As we approach the windows, our gaze drifts across the green landscape that surrounds the property, and for a moment the outside world feels distant. Here, on the upper floor, there is a rare sense of peace and continuity, as if the house itself were welcoming us into its memory, inviting us to become part of it.
In the bedrooms the atmosphere becomes even more intimate and enveloping. The deep ruby tone of the velvet on the headboards and sofas adds an almost theatrical richness to the space, elegantly contrasting with the warm browns of the aged wood and the luminous white of the natural light that generously fills the rooms through the windows. It is a palette that conveys comfort, depth, and serenity all at once.
Each room holds a classic charm that transports us to another era, when time seemed to move more gently and every detail was created to endure. Here, the experience inevitably becomes romantic: a refuge where mornings begin slowly as the light moves softly across fabrics and walls, and evenings invite silence, contemplation, and the rare feeling of inhabiting a place where beauty and memory walk hand in hand.
Waking up at The Grove Houses is a ritual of the senses that envelops us from the very first moment.
The aroma of freshly baked bread, mingled with the natural fragrance of red fruits, announces a breakfast that is, in itself, a truly memorable experience, rivaling the grandeur of the dining room in which it is served.
The mirrored table, which has hosted generations, presents a veritable array of flavors fit for a king, carefully prepared and exquisitely arranged.
Every gesture of the staff is an invitation to intimacy: genuine smiles, meticulous attention, and the dedication of those who love what they do and take pride in it. Such care lingers with us, settling in the heart, transforming each morning at The Grove Houses into a moment of absolute and unforgettable pleasure.
Strolling through the gardens of The Grove Houses is to immerse oneself in a world of romance and mystery, where every corner seems preserved by time and memory.
The gardens were designed by the same genius who created the world-renowned Jardim de Seteais in Sintra, and it shows in every detail: carpets of green that stretch effortlessly, plants intertwining in a silent dance, secret paths inviting discovery and contemplation.
The scent of the vegetation, the play of light and shadow, and the whisper of the wind through the branches create a unique atmosphere, where romance blends with enigma, and every step makes us feel privileged to walk through such an extraordinary legacy, one that touches the soul deeply and lingers in the memory of all who wander here.
In the most secluded corners of this magical garden lies the former Gardener’s House, fully restored yet retaining the charm and centuries-old character that make it unforgettable.
Stepping across its threshold, one can feel the energy of all the gardener’s children reflected in the soft green of the walls, the light streaming through the windows, and the small details that tell stories of the past. If we pause in silence, the birdsong seems to summon the laughter and playful echoes that once filled the house with life, allowing us to sense the presence of a family who loved this place deeply. The rooms in the Gardener’s House are magnificent, each with its own personality, making it hard to choose which to stay in.
Between the main house and the Gardener’s House, the decision is equally complex: the grandeur and allure of the main house captivate, while the intimacy and warmth of the gardener’s retreat enchant.
For me, the joy of having stayed in the main house contrasts with the irresistible desire to also experience the Gardener’s House — a desire that can only be satisfied by returning, something I can assure anyone who discovers The Grove Houses will want to do.
One of the most fascinating features of The Grove Houses is the ability to transform every corner of the property into a setting for unforgettable moments. For weddings, the main house provides a stage of timeless elegance, while the “Princess’s Castle” creates the perfect magic for a bride to feel, for one day, like the heroine of a fairytale alongside her prince.
The tent, nestled in the heart of the garden, is a masterpiece in itself, so beautiful and delicate that it is almost impossible to describe in words; every detail, every light, every arrangement can be imagined, planned, and brought to life by the staff of The Grove Houses, always with the care and attention that define this extraordinary place.
Here, luxury is not just felt — it is lived: a setting where every dream can become reality, and every event transforms into a memorable experience that stays in the hearts of all who have the privilege to experience it.
Just like these centennial houses and the gardens that surround them, everything at The Grove Houses exists because someone dared to dream, design, and bring each detail to life.Today, it is the staff, led by Sara, who transforms that dream into reality: the passion, joy, and dedication she conveys resonate through every team member, making each gesture, each smile, each moment of care an unforgettable experience.
A stay at The Grove Houses is not only about the place — it is about how we are welcomed, how we feel at home even when far away, how every corner, corridor, and hidden nook invites us to linger, and, when that is not possible, the promise of returning. It is this magic, made of people and places, that turns each visit into a memory that endures, that touches the soul, and makes us long to come back.
I am certain that, during the stay you will wish to have, you will immediately feel the intensity of this experience — so alive, so sensorial, so cinematic — that it becomes part of you, just as The Grove Houses become part of everyone who comes to know them.
Photo Credits: The Grove Houses | Text: António Vidigal
Contacts and Location
The Grove Houses | Rua da Penha, n.º 3891 – 4810-038 Guimarães – Portugal
Telephone | (+351) +351 910 212 254 (call to the Portuguese mobile network)
Email | reservas@thegrovehouses.pt
Instagram | @thegrovehouses Faceboook | @thegrovehouses
Website | www.thegrovehouses.pt
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